Daniel Klein journeys to the Greek island Hydra to discover the secrets of aging happily. Drawing on the lives of his Greek friends, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, [he] learns to appreciate old age as a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life. He uncovers simple pleasures that are uniquely available late in life, as well as headier pleasures that only a mature mind can fully appreciate
The table at Dimitri's Taverna : on seeking a philosophy of old age -- The old Greek's olive trees : on Epicurus's philosophy of fulfillment -- The deserted terrace : on time and worry beads -- Tasso's rain-spattered photographs : on solitary reflection -- A sirocco of youth's beauty : on existential authenticity -- The tintinnabulation of sheep bells : on mellowing to metaphysics -- Iphigenia's guest : on stoicism and old old age -- The burning boat in Kamini Harbor : on the timeliness of spirituality -- Returning home : on a mindful old age